Naldavdanti Prabandh

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Nal-Davadanti Prabandh" by Gunavinay, as presented in the provided pages:

Book Title: Nala-Davadanti Prabandh Author: Gunavinay Editor: Dr. Ramanlal C. Shah Publisher: Gurjar Granthratna Karyalay

Overview:

The "Nal-Davadanti Prabandh" is a Jain narrative poem composed by the medieval Jain poet Gunavinay in 1665 CE. It retells the famous story of Nala and Damyanti, a popular theme in Indian literature, within the framework of Jain traditions and values. The text was edited and published by Dr. Ramanlal C. Shah, a prominent scholar, who aimed to make this important work accessible to a wider audience.

Content and Themes:

The core of the narrative focuses on the life of Damyanti, highlighting her chastity (sheel) and devotion. The poem details:

• Damyanti's Birth and Early Life: Her auspicious birth, prophesied by a dream, and her beautiful childhood are described.
• The Swayamvara (Self-Choice Ceremony): Damyanti's swayamvara is elaborately depicted, with kings from various regions attending. Damyanti, guided by destiny and her pure heart, chooses Nala as her husband.
• Nala and Damyanti's Marriage and Initial Happiness: The joyous wedding and their early happy life together are portrayed.
• Nala's Downfall: The narrative addresses Nala's addiction to gambling and his subsequent loss of kingdom and wealth due to the machinations of his brother, Krubera.
• The Separation and Hardship: This section details the harsh consequences of Nala's downfall, including his separation from Damyanti and the immense suffering they endure in the forest. A significant Jain element is introduced when Nala, in his despair, abandons Damyanti.
• Damyanti's Trials and Virtues: The poem emphasizes Damyanti's unwavering chastity and resilience in the face of extreme adversity. Her virtuous conduct influences even wild animals. The narrative describes her encounters with a merchant, demons, ascetics, and her eventual reunion with Nala.
• Nala's Transformation and Reunion: Nala's encounter with a sage (said to be his father, Nishadh Dev in disguise), who bites him and transforms him into a deformed figure (Kubja), is depicted. This transformation leads him to serve King Dadhiparna of Susumar. Through a series of events, including a test of his horse-training skills and his exceptional cooking abilities, Nala is recognized and reunited with Damyanti.
• Restoration and Renunciation: Nala regains his kingdom, and he and Damyanti live happily. However, influenced by divine advice (from Nishadh Dev), Nala eventually renounces his worldly life, takes up the path of asceticism, and ultimately attains liberation (moksha).

Key Jain Elements and Emphasis:

• Sheel (Chastity and Virtue): The poem places immense importance on Damyanti's chastity as the paramount virtue that protects her through all hardships and ultimately leads to her reunion with Nala and their spiritual progress.
• Karma and Destiny: The narrative implicitly suggests the workings of karma, where past actions (as alluded to by the sage) lead to present suffering.
• Devotion and Renunciation: The ideal of renunciation and detachment from worldly pleasures is presented through Nala's eventual embrace of asceticism, leading to liberation.
• Jain Lore: The text adheres to the general narrative of Nala-Damyanti as found in other Jain works, possibly drawing from sources like "Pandavcharitra" or "Trishashthishalaka-purushacharitra."
• Poetic Style: Gunavinay's language is described as simple and eloquent, employing various meters like Doha, Pai, Chaupai, and different regional melodies (desi dhal). The editor notes that while Gunavinay's work is less varied in its melodic structure compared to poets like Samaysundar, it still showcases poetic skill. The use of allegorical language and embellishments (alankaras) adds to the richness of the narrative.

Editor's Contribution (Dr. Ramanlal C. Shah):

Dr. Shah undertook extensive research to locate and edit this work. He utilized two manuscripts: one from the Abhay Jain Granthalaya in Bikaner (provided by Shri Agarchand Nahata) and another from the India Office Library in London. He notes minor editorial changes made for clarity and flow, such as numbering the verses (dhal) and ensuring consistent terminology. He expresses gratitude to Shri Agarchand Nahata and the India Office Library for their assistance.

Significance:

The "Nal-Davadanti Prabandh" by Gunavinay is a valuable addition to Jain literature, offering a devotional retelling of a classic Indian story. It underscores the enduring importance of virtue, particularly chastity, and the path of renunciation within the Jain tradition. The meticulous editing and publication by Dr. Shah have made this significant work accessible for scholarly study and appreciation.